Europe eases Ryder Cup tension with laughs thanks to video
SAINT- QUENTIN-ENYVELINES, France: European golfers broke the tension of Ryder Cup week with a comedy video that left none of captain Thomas Bjorn’s 12-man squad unskewered and all of them laughing at themselves.
Irish comedian andim pressionist Con or Moore imitated the European players in a 10-minute video shown Monday night at a team meeting, players revealed Tuesday.
“Thomas made it out how it was a serious video, and then we had this press conference of Conor doing all these impressions. It was a nice little laugh,” said England’s Tommy Fleetwood, one of five Cup newcomers on this year’s team.
England’s Ian Poulter, a captain’s pick making his sixth Ryder Cup appearance, was still smiling about the impressions.
“Team Europe are great from a video perspective and a perspective of team bonding,” Poulter said.
“So we had a great video clip last night, which was done by Conor, and he kind of took everyone off in the team, and it was extremely funny.
“It was hilarious. You know, just clips like that, which kind of help the team get together. Although we’re taking the Mickey out of one another, it’s quite a good way to start the week off.”
It’s a helpful icebreaker between serious moments such as when Fleetwood saw the Ryder Cup uniform he dreamed of wearing for so long.
“Walking into your room, and you’ve got all your clothes, your outfits that are lined up, and getting in the team room with all the guys, it’s really cool,” he said.
“And without a doubt, this morning, putting this on, it’s the proudest moment of my career. It’s very special.”
It was also nice to build camaraderie with his new teammates, even if it meant taking a few pokes for his long hair. He got to enjoy the dead-on impression of deadpan Francesco Molinari, the reigning British Open champion from Italy.
“I got away lightly, really. I’ve just got hair to talk about,” Fleetwood said. “Fran’s was just hilarious. I think Fran’s has made me giggle for about 10 hours now. Yeah, it was great. (Moore) was really good.
LONDON: Ryder Cup veteran Ian Poulter said he is prepared to shut out the “hatred” expected from some USA fans as he bids to maintain his impressive record in the biennial event this week.
The 42-year- old Englishman — known as the ‘ Postman’ — is licking his lips at re- engaging in the often fraught battle having missed playing in the 2016 edition due to lack of form, although he was a vice-captain as the USA beat Europe in the United States.
Poulter — a wild card pick by captain Thomas Bjorn — knows how excitable and partisan the fans can get but has shrugged that aside and goes into this year’s renewal at Le Golf National with a sensational record of 12 wins — including all five of his singles — and just four defeats in 18 matches.
“I know the hatred is coming,” he told The Times.
“It’s weird, though. In strokeplay it really annoys you, but for some reason at the Ryder Cup it doesn’t.
“You know there will be nasty things said so you are prepared.
“It’s fuel to the fire. It’s bizarre how the dynamic changes with the Ryder Cup.”
When it comes to the Ryder Cup, Poulter will forever be remembered for his starring role in the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in 2012.
On the penultimate day, he made five birdies in his fourball match to re-inject belief into the European team and lay the foundations for a remarkable comeback on the final day.
Despite the “hatred”, he conceded the vast majority of Americans golf fans treat the players with respect.
“Youknow99percentofAmerican fans respect good golf, respect fighters, respect personalities and passion,” he said.
“But a few have a couple of beers and get some Dutch courage.
“Certain venues are louder than others. New York is a busy one — interesting individuals who was verbally abused at every hole of this year’s US Open in New York State.”
Poulter, who has risen from earning just 120 ( 157) a week working in a golf club shop to prize money earnings of over 40million, is hoping any underlying friction between the two sets of players can be set aside so they can have a drink together once the final shot has been struck.
“We haven’t a lways been welcome in their team-room which is strange,” said Poulter, who was once called ‘a dick’ by Tiger Woods for trying to hitch a ride aboard his private jet.
“There have been times where we’ve been warned not to go.
“I’m sure it can be painful but it’s a shame when there’s no socialising.
“Sometimes a few get a little too drunk.”
Despite playing regularly on the US Tour alongside fellow Europeans, Poulter admits that, culturally, they are oceans apart from their American counterparts.
“We’re different cultures and our humour is different,” he said.
“When you have extreme emotion mixed in with a few drinks some people react differently.” - AFP